Radio shielded engine ignition



Feb. 29 1944. STONE 2,342,768

RADIO SHIELDED ENGINE IGNITION Filed July 19, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 F IG. 1.. s2 I 8 111 as y m p 11 ATTORNEY.

I Feb. 29, 1944. R STQNE RADIO SHIELDED ENGINE IGNITION Filed July 19, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

4 TTOQ/VEY Patented Feb. 29, 1944 UNITED STATE S PATENT OFFICE RADIO SHIELDED ENGINE IGNITION R. Harry Stone, deceased,

late of Middlesex, N. .L, Estella Emmons Stone, Middlesex, N. J., and

Estelle Stone, Rochester, N, Y., executrices, asslgnors to Tlteilex, Inc., a corporation of New Jersey Application July 19, 1941, Serial No. 403,166 21 Claims. 123-148) This invention relates to the radio shielding of the ignition of an internal combustion engine.

A further object of the invention is to support the shielding means upon the engine in an improved manner.

A further object of the invention is to provide shielding means for ignition conductors which shall be readily applied and flexible in itsapplication to an engine. 1

Other and ancillary objects of the invention will appear hereinafter.

In the accompanying drawings which illustrate the invention- Fig. 1 is a view in front elevation, and of somewhat schematic character, illustrating an engine with ignition shielding embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a similar view of a modified construction of which only a portion is illustrated, and some of the parts are broken away;

Fig. 3 is an end elevation of the Junction box viewed on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1, the spark plug leads being shown in cross section; I

Fig. 4 is an elevation of the end of the junction box opposite that of Fig. 3, the spark plug leads being shown in section; and

Fig. 5 is a side elevation, partly in section and on an enlarged scale, of one form of a radio shielding spark plug lead conduit with a section of an ignition conductor therein.

Referring to the drawings, and first to Figs. 1, 3 and 4, the reference characters 8| to 89, inclusive,respectively designate the cylinders of an internal combustion radial cylinder engine ofthe type commonly used on aeroplanes, and there are casings IIU to I21 for the valve operating push rods as is well understood in connection with such engines. Also the engine has the usual crank shaft 25. I

Each of the cylinders has a suitable spark plug within the metal radio shielding housings II to I9 respectively.

To supply ignition current, a metal radio,

shielding conduit I28 extends from the metal radio shield about a magneto at the rear of the engine to the metal elbow 60 removably secured to the conduit 1-28 by a swivel screw nut I29. The metal conduit I23 is preferably a flexible, corru gated, metal tube as shown in the patent to Brinkman, No. 1,340,818. In place of such flexible tube the conduit I28 might, under some circumstances, be a rigid tube or a tube partly rigid and partly flexible.

The lower end of the elbow is flared out to form the top of a metal junction box J: into which the elbow opens, the back of the junction box being formed by the metal plate I30, and the front of the junction box is a metal plate I3I.

The box has a suitable metal bottom and metal ends and the top corners of the box are flattened to form the portions I32 and I33. The box is secured by any suitable mechanical means to the push rod casings I III and I21, and the front of the box is removably secured in position by'means of screws I34.

In one end wall of the junction box are secured screw nipples to which are respectively detachably secured the metal spark plug lead conduits 66, 61 and 68 by means of swivel screw nuts, the

'' same as I29 shown in Fig. 3. In the other end of the Junction box are secured screw-threaded nipples to which the metal spark plug lead conduits 62, 63, 64 and 65 are respectively secured by similar screw swivel couplings. In the flattened top portions I32 and I33 are secured screwthreaded nipples which are respectively secured to the metal spark plug lead conduits 69 and BI.- The other ends of the spark plug lead conduits 3| to 69 inclusive are respectively detachably connected with the spark plug metal radio shielding housing II to I9 by swivel screwthreaded couplings as referred to.

Where necessary the spark plug-lead conduits may be secured to one or more push rod casings. Thus. the conduits 66 and 6.1 are secured to the casing I25 by a clamp I35, and the conduits 64 and 65 are secured to the push rod casing II5 by a clamp I33.

The conduits 6| to 89, inclusive, may be of still metal pipe, but preferably each is flexible and may be such a flexible metal tube as is disclosed in the Brinkman Patent No. 1,198,392 (see Fig. 7 thereof). If desired a braided covering of metal strips may be applied to this tube to form a structure as disclosed in the Brinkman Patent No. 1,340,818 with reference to Fig. 5 thereof or each of the spark plug lead conduits might be of rigid and flexible sections, such a structure being shown in Fig. 5 wherein is shown a stiff, metal pipe it having secured by soldering or other suitable means, to each of its ends a section T of flexible, metal pipe which may be of the construction of the Brinkman flexible, corrugated, metal tube I justreierred to. The other ends 01 the sections "1 are secured, by soldering or other suitable means. to couplings including swivel nuts Ill and I" by which the conduits are detachably secured.

and more p riormitswork.

' g xtwillbenotedthatinplaceoitheusualheavrl tothe shielding housing for the spark .plug and the junction box respectively. i i

The engine shown is of the radial type and has alsoanywireswhiehmaytakeoiliromtheomni- ,bus conduit itself. The ends of the conduit ll open into the interiors of the Junction boxes J4 the usual nine cylinders with one spark plug p'er cylinder, and consequently nine conductors are required .to carry current from the magneto to the spark plugs.;. The nine conductors, each oi which is simplya'eopper wire as'liicovered with insulation ill (see Pig. 5), in the usual manner,- proeeed irom the-magneto at the rear of the en.-- -gine through the conduit island the elbow I -intothe junction box atthe'irontorthe enginai .cyiinde Thence theconductors separate each individually proceeding out or the junction boxinto its re tion with aeroplane engines, and moreover is simextendingiorthegreaterpartoithe and Js. Thus both the magnetos are connected through the radio shielding spark plug lead conduits II and II with the spark plugs of the top cylinder, through the spark plug lead conduits l2.

and is, with the next cylinder to the right by the similar conduits II and II. to the spark plugs of the next cylinder by similar conduits t1 and It.

and to' the spark plugs of the next cylinder by the similar conduitscl and II. The cylinder to the left of the upper cylinder has its spark plugs spectiv'e conduits II- to it and uie hrwshi to rule-spark plugto ichthe wire oi the'o'onduoiiiany suitable or-weii 1 Itwillbe seen that the hereinbeioredesorib'ed construction provides a structure whichislisht in; weight. which is 01 great importance in connecreadily. adiustable f to as about the shalt (the manifold is by far the heaviest. part or the shielding mtem)".applicant employs simplyssrnall junction box asja' terminal for his conduit from the magneto or otharsouroe of supply. the individual spark plug lead conduits extending for the greater portion-of irom the spark plug to the conduit 4 ma ne o. These individual'spark plug lead-conduits are more flexible asto their dispositionto suit the circumstances or a given case and connected by the radio shielding spark plug lead conduits it and i1, the spark Plugs oithe next dervare connected through the similar conduits llaniillandthesul-l'kplugsoithenextcylirideriv connectedethrough the similar conduits it" andllL the invention has been illustrated in what are considered its best applications it may v have other embodiments without departing its spirit and is-not, therefore. limited to structuresshowninthedrawings. j [Whatisclaimedisi v 1 In radio shielding for tion engine the combinationrwith an internal combustion en ine havinl I plurali y of cylinders and spark plugs therefor. or a radio shielding conduit from a source oi'ignition current supply, a

may be curved about the axis of the engine to reach cylinders remote from the junction box, as

for instance the conduits ",II," and ll.v The whole shielding system isiihmyn'iade flexible and islighterinweight-u I Referring-now to' Pig; 2,:

system, that is one having two sets oi spark plugs I and a magneto or other suitabie" source of current :ior-each set or system, andeach'oi the cylinders 3 having a-spark plug of each or the-systems. one

omit ing usually at the'rear and the other at the front of the cylinder. Thus. in the apparatus arm. 2 the radio shielding" conduit or from the V magneto terminates in a. junction'box Jr similar "to the junctionbox is, while the radio shielding conduit it" iromthe magneto terminates in a junction box-J4, the same as the box Js. It will 1 be seen that these junction boxes are symmetri-' i eally mounted with relation to the vertical plane "of theaxis of the device.

Inasmuch as the conductors from each mag- J neto conduit and junction box must be diatrib uted to the spark plugs of all the nine cylinders, some of the ignition conductors will pass from the junction box Js through the junction box .14

' and also the conductors will pass from the junction box J4 through the junction box Js. To permit this an omnibus radio shielding conduit 90,

is provided through which conductors passing between the junction boxes J4 and Jo may pass and also individual spark plug lead conduits may showh'isi suitable ior service-with a dual iin tion .radio shielding junction box forming a terminal I for said conduit and individual flexible radio shielding spark plug lead conduits extending from said junction box. said junction box extending ior a small portionoi the distance overwhich the spark plugsaredistributed, and certain oi said spark plug lead conduits extending trom said junction box across at least two of said cylinders and being separately supported, and ignition conductors ior said spark plugs in said conduitsandjunetionbok.

2. In radio'shielding and spark Plugs therefor, oi a radio shielding conduit from a source at ignition current supply,

' aradioshieldingjimctionboxi'ormingaterminal for said conduit and individual flexible radio shielding spark plug lead conduits extending irom said junction box, said junction box for a small-portion oi the distance over which the spark plugs are distributed. and certain 01' said take oil from the conduit itself. Suchconduit 9! has but a single bore carrying all the wires which extend between the two junction boxes and terminal for said conduit and individual flexible radio shielding spark plug lead conduits extending from said junction box, said junction box extending for a small portion of the distance over which the spark plugs are distributed, and certain of said spark plug lead conduits extending from said junction box across at least two of said cylinders, being separately supported and conforming to the contour of said engine and r are connected through the similar conj duits II and il, thespark plugs oi the next cylinan internal combosiora'n internal oombus- 1 tion combination with an internal combustion engine having a-piurality of cylinders therefor, valve push rods and casings therefor,

' inders and being individually secured to certain Junction box being secured to certain of box extending for a small portion extending for a small portion of the distance over which the spark plugs are distributed, and each of certain of said spark plug lead conduits 'axtending'from said Junction box across at least two of said cylinders and individually secured -.to said engine at a point intermediate its ends and between the Junction box and the cylinder.

the spark plug-oi which is served by the condu and ignition conductors for said spark plugs in said conduits and junction box.

5. In a radio shielding for an internal combus tion engine the combination with an internal combustion engine having cylinders, spark plugs o! a radio shielding conduit from a source orignition current supply, a radio shielding iunction box forming a terminal for saidconduit, and individual flexible radio shielding spark plug lead tributed, certain'of said spark plug lead conduits extending from said Junction box across a plurality or at least two of said cylinders and being separately supported, and certain of said spark plug conduits being curved to pass about said shaft and ignition conductors for said spark plugs in said conduits and junction box.

9. Ina radio shielding for an internal combastion engine the combination with an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders, spark plugs therefor, a main shaft and push rods and valve push rod casings. of a radio shielding vconduit from a source of ignition current supply, a radio shielding Junction box forming a terminal for said conduit, said Junction box being secured upon certain of said push rod casings and individual radio shielding spark plug lead conduits, extending from saidjunction box and secured to certain other of said push rod casings.

10. In a radio shielding ior an internal combustion engine the combination with an internal combustion engine-having a plurality of cylinders. spark plugs therefor, a main shaft, valve push rods and valve push rod casings, or a radio shielding conduit irom a source of ignition current. supply. a radio shielding junction box forming a terminal for said conduit. said Junction box being secured cylinders. w

- 11. In a radio to push rod casings upon different shielding for an internal combustion engine the combination with an internal conduits extending across at least two or said 0311- oi said push rod casings and ignitionv conductors for said spark tlon'box.

6. In a radio shielding for an internal combustion engine the combination with an internal combustion engine having cylinders, spark plugs therefor, valve push rods and casings therefor. of

plugs in said conduits and lunc- 'dividually supported and Junction boxes.

combustion'engine having a plurality of cylinders and spark plugs therefor, of a plurality of radio shielding conduits through which current is supplied to said spark plugs, radio shielding Junction boxes forming terminals for said conduits. an omnibus radio shielding conduit having a single bore connecting said Junction boxes and individual radio shielding spark plug lead conduits in- 12. In a radio shielding for an internal coma radio shielding conduit from a source 0! ignibustion engine the combination with an internal tion current supply. a radio shielding junction combustion engine having a plurality of cylinbox forming a terminal !or said conduit, and inu ders and spark plugs therefor, of a plurality of dividual radio shielding spark plug lead conduits extending from said-Junction box, said Junction box extending tor a small portion of the distance over which the sparkfplugs are distributed, said said push 'I. In a radio shielding for an internal combustion-engine 'the combination with an internal combustion engine having "cylinders, spark plugs" therefor, valve push rods and casings thereior, of a radio shielding conduit from a source or ignition current supply, a radio shielding junction box forming a'terminal for said -,conduit, and .individual radio shielding spark plug leadgojnduits extending from said junction box; id Junction over which the spark plugs are :di buted. said Junction box being secured to push-rod casings of ad acent cylinders.

f 8'. In a radio shielding for an internal'oombustion-enginethe combination with a radial cylinradio shielding conduits through which current is supplied to said spark plugs. radio shielding Junction boxes forming terminals for said conduits, an omnibus radio shielding conduit having a single bore connecting said junction boxes'and individual radio shielding spark plug lead con duits individually supported and extending from said omnibus conduit.

13. In a radio shielding for an internal combustion engine the combination with an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders andspark plugs therefor, or ,a plurality of radio shielding conduits through which current is supplied to saidspark plugs, radio shielding junction boxes forming terminals for said conduits, an omnlbusradiof shielding conduit having a 5 bus conduit.

single bore connecting said junction boxes and individual radio shielding spark plug leadconduits extending from said iunction boxes and said omni- 14. The combination with an internal combustion engine having-a plurality of cylinders and' spark plugs therefor, or a radio shielding conduit from a source of ignition current supply, a radio shielding junction box forming a terminal for said conduit and individual flexible radio shleld lng spark plug lead conduits extending from said junction ox, said Junction box extending for a small port on of the distance over which the spark distance over which the spa plugs a dis- 6 plugs are distributed, and certain of said spark extending from said plug lead conduits extending from said Junction box across at least two of said cylinders and being separately supported, and ignition conductors for said spark plugs in said conduits and Junction box, said Junction box being rectangular in cross section in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the engine cylinders.

15. The combination with an internal combustion engine having a pluralit of cylinders and spark plugs therefor, of a radio shielding conduit 'irom a source oi ignition current supply, a radio shielding junction box forming a terminal for said conduit and individual flexible radio shielding spark plug lead conduits extending from said junction box. said Junction box extending for a small portion of the distance over which the spark plugs are distributed, and certain of said spark plug lead conduits extending from said Junction box across at least two 01' said cylinders and being separately supported, and ignition conductors for said spark plugs in said conduits and junction box, said Junction box having a substantially flat side substantially parallel to the plane oi the engine cylinders, said flat side being separate from the remainder oi said box and means for removably securing said side to the remainder oi said box.

16. The combination with an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders and spark plugs therefor, of a radio shielding conduit from a source oi ignition current supply, a radio shielding junction box forming a terminal for said conduit and individual flexible radio shielding spark plug lead conduits extending from said Junction box, said Junction box extending tor a small portion of the distance over which the spark plugs are distributed. and certain of said spark plug lead conduits extending from said Junction box across at least two of said cylinders and being separately supported, and ignition conductors for said spark plugs in said conduits and Junction box, said Junction box having a plurality of substantially flat sides substantially parallel to the plane of the engine cylinders, said sides being separate from the remainder of the box and means for removably securing each" oi said flat sides to the remainder of the box.

17. The combination with an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders and spark plugs therefor, of a radio shielding conduit from a source 01 ignition current supply, a radio shielding Junction box forming a terminal for said conduit and individual flexible radio shielding spark plug lead conduits extending from said Junction box, said junction box extending tor a small portion of the distance over which the spark plugs are distributed, and certain oi said spark plug lead conduits extending from said junction box across at least two of said cylinders and being separately supported, and ignition conductors for said spark plugs in said conduits and junction box, the outward side of said boxaway from the said engine cylinders being substantially flat and separate from the remainder of the box and means for removably securing said flat side to the remainder of the box.

18. The combination with an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders and spark plugs therefor, of a radio shielding conduit from a source of ignition current supply, a radio shieldin junction box forming a terminal for said conduit and individual flexible radio shielding spark plug lead conduits extending from said Junction box, said Junction box extending for a small portion of the distance over which the spark plugs are distributed, and certain oi said spark plug lead conduits extending from said junction box across at least two or said cylinders and being separately supported, and ignition conductors for said spark plugs in said conduits and Junction box, said Junction box having a substantially flat side inwardly toward the cylinders and a second flat side on the opposite side of the box from th aforesaid side, said second side being outwardly away from the said engine cylinders, said sides being separate from the remainder oi said box. means for removably securing the first mentioned side to the remainder of the box and means for re'movably securing the said second side to the remainder of the box.

19. The combination with an internal combustion engine having a plurality oi cylinders and spark plugs therefor, oi. a radio shielding conduit from a source of ignition current supply, a radio shielding Junction box forming a terminal for said conduit and individual flexible radio shielding spark plug lead conduits extending from said Junction box, said Junction box extending for a small portion oi the distance over which the spark plugs are distributed, and certain 01' said spark plug lead conduits extending from said unction box across at least two of said cylinders and being separately supported, and ignition conductors for said spark plugs in said conduits and Junction box, certain of said radio shielding spark plug lead conduits extending from the top of said junction box.

20. The combination with an internal combustion engine having a plurality oi cylinders and spark plugs therefor, 01 a radio shielding conduit from a source of ignition current supply, a radio shielding iunction'box forming a terminal for said conduit and individual flexible radio shielding spark plug lead conduits extending from said junction box, said junction box extending for a small portion of the distance over which the .spark plugs are distributed, and certain 01 said spark plug lead conduits extending from said Junction box across at least two of said cylinders and being separately supported, and ignition conductors for said spark plugs in said conduits and Junction box, certain of saidradio shielding spark plug lead conduits extending from the top of said Junction box and certain other of said spark plug lead conduits extending from an end oi said box.

21. The combination with an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders and spark plugs therefor, 01 a radio shielding conduit from a source of ignition current supply, a radio shielding junction box forming a terminal for said conduit and individual flexible radio shielding spark plug lead conduits extending from said junction box, said Junction box extending for a small portion or the distance over which the spark plugs are distributed, and certain of said spark plug lead conduits extending from said junction box across at least two of said cylinders and being separately supported, and ignition conductors for said spark plugs in said conduits and junction box, certain of said radio shielding spark plug lead conduits extending from the top of said junction box and certain other of said spark plug lead conduits extending from the ends of said box.

ESTELLA EMMONS STONE, ESTELLE STONE, Executrices of the Last Will and Testament of R.

Harry Stone, Deceased. 

